The 21st-century workforce looks significantly different compared to the workforce of the past century. Work that used to require manual labor can now be automated, and more and more tasks can be automated even more.
This has resulted in a working style that forces people to sit in a chair in front of a desk for hours. While this is a positive because there are fewer dangers in the field, and work becomes less physically taxing, it still has significant health issues we need to be aware of.
Studies have shown that inactivity and lack of significant physical movement for more than four hours can increase health complications. Studies have shown that it truly is dangerous to sit in front of a computer for hours on end. You might suffer from spinal problems and cardiovascular diseases or even make yourself prone to bad posture.
The Prominence of Body Pain
Perhaps this is the primary reason why more and more people are reporting body pain. Random pangs and sudden pains- often from joints and major muscle groups. Even individuals as young as sixteen are reporting tremendous amounts of body pain- all because of our sedentary lifestyle.
Sadly, many people see this as an unavoidable part of life. Because it’s work or school, it has become an inevitability. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything you can do to prevent this. In this article, we’re going to take a look at ways you can prevent body aches.
See a Doctor First
Of course, the first thing you should be thinking of isn’t a complete lifestyle overhaul. You should see a doctor, preferably an expert in back pains, aches, or any other specific ailments you’re feeling. Only a specialist can point you in the right (and safe) direction. So it’s best to start with them. Ignoring physical pains is dangerous as it could be a symptom of something more serious- never neglect pains, no matter how much you think it’s simply from a sedentary lifestyle.
Use the Stairs Instead of the Elevator
Here’s a rather simple but effective way to start increasing the physical activity in your life: use the stairs instead. It might sound basic, but it’s effective: the energy we consume when climbing the stairs isn’t all that significant, but it does more than burn your calories. It sets your mind to doing physically strenuous activities.
We normally dislike feeling tired, and that’s what climbing the stairs can combat. And when we feel less tired (because our threshold increased), we feel fewer pains, fewer aches, and feel more energetic in general. So next time, take the stairs. You’ll thank yourself for it.
Ergonomics and Activity at Work
Our office work makes us sit in front of the computer for very long hours. This, of course, is what makes up the sedentary life that we want to avoid. While you can’t avoid working in front of a screen, you can surely make ways to be active even within working hours.
Make sure to take the necessary short rests so you can stand up and stretch, and if you can, take a lap around your office to get your blood flow going. And if it is possible, go ahead and change your workstation to better promote active use of your body once in a while. You can get a standing desk so that you won’t have to slouch on your chair too much. Make sure your setup is ergonomic so that your position is not incorrect and strained.
Practice Walking Now
Along with taking the stairs, walking is another way to exercise our bodies. And the best part is that it can help ease body pain! The reality is, walking still counts as an exercise, and it’s natural to exercise at that. It strengthens the body, boosts cardiovascular activity, and helps manage or even decrease stress.
Its benefits are both psychological and physiological: you will be significantly stronger and have better endurance, but being used to walking also boosts your mental strength, as you’d be used to long stretches or bearing through minor inconveniences. So if you feel chronic pain and are afraid that exercise will make it work, try walking. It could just be the gateway for you.
All types of pain can be debilitating, even if it’s a minor pain. If you’re experiencing such pains, hopefully, some of the tips provided here have given you a degree of comfort.
